African airports’ managers rally behind open skies implementation

Chairperson, Planning Committee, 59th ACI-Africa Conference, Sadiku Rafindadi (left); President/Managing Director, FAAN, Saleh Dunoma; Co-chairperson, Planning Committee, Adenike Aboderin; and Director, Security Services, FAAN, Group Captain Usman Sadiq (rtd), at a press conference on the 59th ACI-Africa Board and Regional Committees meetings to be hosted by FAAN in Lagos. PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

•As Nigeria hosts 59th ACI-Africa conference
Association of airport managers in Africa are rallying behind the implementation of the open skies treaty, especially in lieu of the traffic boom the initiative will bring to signatory countries.

Keystone Bank partners NIPOST on rural banking services

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, I-One-C, Kelechi Dozie(left); Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Keystone Bank Limited, Obeahon Ohiwerei, Barrister, Bisi Adegbuyi Postmaster General/Chief Executive Officer NIPOST, at the launch of Keyserv-NIPOST Agency Banking – A Financial Inclusion Partnership In Lagos.

 Keystone Bank has entered into partnership with the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) and i-OneC through leveraging of data to improve its product offerings.

Arik Air Fan Out Its Wings to MMA2

 

Arik Air, Nigeria’s leading airline will from March 17, 2018, move all its Port Harcourt flights to Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) Lagos.

From that date, all daily flights to Port Harcourt International will cease to operate from the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) and will depart and arrive at MMA2.

Qatar Airways woos passengers with special offers

QATAR Airways is celebrating more than 20 years of ‘Going Places Together’ with special offers for travelers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations.

FAAN income on Passenger Service Charge hit N38bn in 2017, says MD

Engineer Saleh Dunoma, Managing Director, Federal Airport Authourity of Nigeria

Mr Saleh Dunoma, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Monday said the authority generated N38 billion from Passenger Service Charges (PSC) in 2017.

Lawmaker lauds response to aviation sector’s near mishaps

Senator Gbenga Ashafa represents Lagos East

The lawmaker representing Lagos East in the upper chamber of the nation’s legislature, senator Gbenga Ashafa, has commended government’s swift response to the series of recent near mishaps in the aviation industry.

Faulty business models, policies shrink air travel market, survival of airlines

Murtala Airport Lagos

Beyond the prevailing harsh operating environment, the faulty business models airlines’ operators often adopt may be responsible for the perennial low market penetration and short lifespan of local carriers in the country, findings by The Guardian has shown.

Arik Air, presidential fleet sign pact on pilots’ training

Presidential air fleet.

Arik Air and Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on capacity building for the line training of presidential pilots.

Airspace agency acquires communication equipment for Lagos, Kano

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Calibrate navigational aids nationwide
To improve quality of air traffic services in the country, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has acquired new communication equipment and set to deploy same to Lagos and Kano areas.

FAAN to measure customers’ satisfaction with feedbacks

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has put in place a feedback mechanism to help her measure customers’ satisfaction about services on offer at international airports across the country.

Why international status for Akanu Ibiam Airport is being delayed – FG

Front view of the remodelled domestic wing of Akanu-Ibiam International Airport Enugu<br />PHOTO: LAWRENCE NJOKU

The Federal Government has said that for the Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu, to operate full international flights, certain security threats created by property owners must be removed and enhancement of infrastructure must be achieved.

Air Peace enhances regional connectivity with Freetown, Banjul, Dakar launch

Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Chris Iwarah (4th left), the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of LAS, Aeroport International Blaise Diagne, Xavier Mary (5th left), Minister in the Embassy of Nigeria, Dakar, Lot Egopija (6th left), Air Peace Brand Ambassador, Kcee (right) and others cutting cake to mark the airline’s inaugural flight to Dakar

Gulfstream G500 jet debuts in Nigeria

 

The all-new Gulfstream G500 business jet has made its debut in Nigeria, with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s senior executives visiting the country recently.The launch gave current and potential customers an opportunity to experience firsthand the new aircraft’s cutting-edge technology, unparalleled comfort and superior craftsmanship. 

FAAN canvasses synergy to tackle security breach at airports

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has called for synergy among security agencies across airports in the country to stop security breach at airports.

Information sharing, according to FAAN, is imperative to collectively tackle any security issue, adding that no security agency can work in isolation or handle security matters alone. 

RwandAir to launch Abuja, Bamako, Cape Town flights

RwandAir

National carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, RwandAir, has announced plans to launch flights from its hub in Kigali into Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital; Bamako, the Malian capital; Conakry, the capital of Guinea and Cape Town in South Africa.

Why Nigerian airlines are against SAATM – Air Peace MD

Managing Director of Air Peace airlines, Allen Onyema, gave the verdict yesterday, saying the current “harsh environment” fueled by bad policies, bureaucracy and multiple taxation have put the airlines more at dire straits with six unable to meet obligation.

Jonathan’s achievements in aviation unprecedented, Says Oduah

Stella Oduah

Former Aviation Minister, Senator Stella Oduah, has said that the achievement of the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan in the aviation sector is unprecedented and unbeatable.

Dana Air signs interline pact with Asky to boost capacity

Dana Air

Dana Air yesterday signed an interline agreement with Asky airline to boost its capacity. The deed was part of activities planned to meet the full implementation of open-air treaty. 

RwandAir to launch Abuja, Bamako, Cape Town flights

RwandAir

National carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, RwandAir, has announced plans to launch flights from its hub in Kigali into Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital; Bamako, the Malian capital; Conakry, the capital of Guinea and Cape Town in South Africa.

Dana Air trains 27 pilots, decorates five in Lagos

PHOTO: Nigerian Flight Deck

Dana Air has decorated two captains and three first officers among 27 that were trained in 2017, as part of its effort to boost local capacity. 

The airline, at a brief ceremony held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport II (MMA2) in Lagos recently, decorated as Captain, Kalu Sylvester and Ibrahim Kazeem, while the trio of Ilesanmi Ayotunde, Afolabi Damilola and Lawal Wahab were decorated as First Officers. 

Dana Air signs interline pact with Asky to boost capacity

Dana Air

Dana Air yesterday signed an interline agreement with Asky airline to boost its capacity. The deed was part of activities planned to meet the full implementation of open-air treaty.

Air Peace launches Kano, Yola flights

Air Peace has announced plans to launch its Kano and Yola services on February 12 and 15 respectively.

The services, the airline said, will cover Lagos-Kano-Lagos; Kano-Abuja-Kano; Lagos-Yola-Lagos; and Abuja-Yola-Abuja.

mperatives of cooperation, strong carriers for open sky’

Mr Gbenga Olowo

Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), the think-tank group of the air travel sector in Nigeria, has called on regulators and operators in the industry to close ranks and evolve strong carriers to enable Nigeria benefit in the open sky dispensation.

FAAN evacuates abandoned planes, installs cameras at Lagos airport

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced the evacuation of abandoned aircraft at the air-side of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos.

Passengers stranded, as Med-View cancels Dubai, London flights

Med-View

Scores of passengers were yesterday morning stranded at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, following the inability of Med-View Airlines Plc to carryout its Lagos-Dubai and Lagos-London flights as scheduled. 

Air Peace sets new date for Freetown, Banjul, Dakar launch

Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has announced a new date, February 19, for the launch of its flights from Lagos to Freetown in Sierra Leone, Banjul in The Gambia and Dakar in Senegal.

Emirates extends special offer

Emirates Airlines

Emirates is offering Nigerian travellers the opportunity to visit Dubai with a special Economy and Business Class return airfare that includes attractive fares, a free third piece of luggage of up to 23 kg and a “My Emirates Pass”.

Lifeline for BASL, FAAN in MMA2 concession saga

Murtala Muhammed Airport II

Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) this week intervened in the Murtala Muhammed Airport II (MMA2) concession controversy, in an approach that may eventually resolve it for mutual benefit. WOLE OYEBADE reports.

FAAN completes repairs of Enugu Airport runway

Front view of the remodelled domestic wing of Akanu-Ibiam International Airport Enugu.PHOTO: LAWRENCE NJOKU

The repair of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, runway has been completed, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said in Lagos on Monday.

Operators kick as Nigeria opens airspace to 22 African countries, airlines

The Minister of State for Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika

• Implementation of open skies begins tomorrow

Airline operators and stakeholders yesterday faulted the Federal Government’s declaration of open skies to 22 African countries and co-signatories for the implementation of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), otherwise called open skies treaty.

Etihad boss flies round the world

PHOTO:WIKIPEDIA

Senior Etihad Airways executive, Andrew Fisher, embarks on a journey of a lifetime on January 21 when he attempted to break the world record by flying around the globe in the shortest time frame on scheduled flights, and with the fewest number of sectors.

Emirates airline, Airbus agree $16b deal to keep A380 production going

Add caption

Emirates Airlines has struck a $16 billion deal with Airbus to buy 36 A380 superjumbos just days after the European manufacturer said it would have to halt production without new orders.

Dana Air, Heartland FC sign pact

Special Adviser to the Imo state Governor, Steve Asimobi (left); Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo and Heartland FC Chairman, Goodfaith Etuemena, during the signing of Dana Air’s sponsorship deal with Heartland FC recently.

Dana Air and Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Imo State, have signed a sponsorship deal covering activities of the club for the 2018 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Ethiopian Airline to debut flight to Geneva

Ethiopian airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is set to launch direct thrice a week service to Geneva, Switzerland on June 3, 2018.

Hosting the highest number of international organisations in the world including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross, Geneva is a global city and center for diplomacy.

NAMA pledges efficient airspace, safety for operators

Capt. Fola Akinkuotu

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has assured airlines and other airspace users of its determination to improve the nation’s airspace and its safety to the delight of all.

Turkish airlines hit 68.6m passenger record in 2017

Turkish Airlines / AFP PHOTO / JACK GUEZ

Turkish Airlines has said that it finished year 2017 airlifting no fewer than 68.6 million passengers, which is a record for the carrier. The figure implies an increased passenger factor of 9.3 per cent.

Government tasks aviation experts on accurate data

Representative of the Minister of Transportation, Sabiu Zakari (left), Director of Maritime Sector at the Ministry, Danjuma Dauda; Lead Auditor  for International Maritime Authority, Cahit Yalcin and Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, at the opening of International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) for Nigeria in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Sabiu Zakari, has tasked the Aviation Statistical Committee, to ensure accurate and reliable aviation data to support the nation’s economic growth.

AIB hosts BAGAIA accident, incident report training

Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Akin Olateru.

Capacity building in the aviation industry has received a boost as Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has concluded plans to host a meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) on a four-day aircraft accident/incident report writing course slated for January 16-19, 2018.

Normalcy returns to local operations after harmattan disruption

NCAA, Sam Adurogboye

Normalcy has returned to local flight operations nationwide after harmattan haze disrupted activities causing delays and cancellations in the last couple of weeks.The stability in operation, observed since the week began, is occasioned by improved weather at most airports across the country.

Lufthansa reaches all-time high of 130m passengers

Lufthansa

With 130 million passengers, the airlines of Lufthansa Group reached an all-time high in 2017, setting a new passenger record.In December 2017, the airlines welcomed around 9.3 million passengers. This shows an increase of 19.9 per cent compared to the previous year’s month.

Dana Air makes top 50 brands of 2017

Dana Air

Dana Air, a subsidiary of the Dana Group of companies, has made the list of top 50 brands in 2017 for the third consecutive time.

  

The airline was named among the top 50 at the Brands Nigeria Leadership Forum held recently in Lagos, for its innovations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), popularity, national spread and online engagement.

Med-View Airlines apologises to London, Dubai routes passengers

Med-View Airline yesterday offered apology to passengers who were affected by its operational hitch between December 22 and 27, 2017, just as it announced the normalisation of flights on the Lagos-London and Lagos-Abuja-Dubai routes.

AIB deploys technology to enhance timely reportage of accidents

Apparently to enhance its functions and interface with members of the general public, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has deployed technology as part of its operations.

Dana Air launches smart sale, appreciates travel agents

Dana Air

As part of efforts to ensure that its guests continue to enjoy best fares on its flights, Dana Air has launched the Dana Air Smart Sale to encourage its guests to book early, plan their trips and get smart fares on their round trip bookings.

A review of the Nigerian Aviation Industry in 2017

The year 2017 was an upbeat year for the aviation industry in Nigeria. With the country exiting the economic recession from the previous year, the aviation sector in 2017 witnessed some positive developments which experts believe should be leveraged upon to develop the country into a hub in the West African sub-region.

The good, bad and ugly of air travel sector in 2017

Year 2017 in the aviation sector will perhaps go down as one with the most defining moments but with very little to show for real growth. WOLE OYEBADE in this review captures major events that shaped the year.

Air Peace suspends Freetown, Banjul, Dakar launch

Blames outage for delays, cancellation of local flights

Air Peace has put on hold the launch of its Freetown, Banjul, and Dakar operations, originally scheduled for December 15, following industrial action at Dakar International airport in Senegal.

Lufthansa changes passenger mileage rewards

The airlines of Lufthansa Group are changing how award miles are credited to participants in the frequent flyer and reward programme Miles & More.

NAMA assures operators of seamless navigation services

Capt. Fola Akinkuotu

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has assured airlines and stakeholders on seamless air navigation services throughout the festive season. Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, said all the country’s navigational facilities are working at optimal levels, with precision approach landing aids at the high-traffic five international airports.

‘How Nigerian airlines can get it right in 2018’

• Passengers, officials laud Ethiopian’s all-women operated flight

Until local airlines in the country device means to connect different routes nationwide, their chances of survival and growth may continue to be slim.Ethiopian Airlines’ (ET) General Manager for International Services, Esayas WoldeMariam Hailu, made this submission as he urged operators in Nigeria to focus more on route network operations and the use of the right equipment in 2018.